Single-dose applicator and method

ABSTRACT

An applicator, related applicator system, and a method for delivering a self-adhesive material are provided. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicator defines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material. At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. The applicator is used by placing the applicator in contact with a substrate, pressing the applicator against the substrate such that the self-adhesive material adheres to the substrate, and releasing the applicator from the substrate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to applicators and methods fordelivering a self-adhesive material. More specifically, applicators andmethods are provided for delivery of a self-adhesive, particularly thedelivery of a single dose of a sanitary agent to a surface, such as thesurface of a toilet.

BACKGROUND

Various agents for cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing surfaces ofbathroom appliances such as toilets are known and have been widelyavailable to consumers in the form of solids, pastes, gels, powders andliquids. Liquid formulations commonly delivered in squeeze bottles allowfor periodic cleaning of the appliance, but require a consumer toreapply the sanitary agent each time the appliance is to be cleaned.Other products that demand less time by the consumer allow for automaticor continuous cleaning of the appliance. For example, automatic orcontinuous cleaning is afforded by providing sanitary agents in the formof solid blocks or by suspending the sanitary agent in baskets that hangfrom the appliance. The disadvantage of such modes of delivery is thatto place the block or basket, the consumer is required to directlyhandle the sanitary agent or to directly contact an un-hygienic surfaceof the appliance.

Other agents such as self-adhesive materials adhere to substrates suchas surfaces of bathroom appliances. For example, self-adhesive sanitaryagents allow for direct application of the sanitary agent to a surface,and thus provide automatic or continuous cleaning of an appliance whileovercoming the drawbacks of previous forms. Dispensers for self-adhesivematerials and agents are cumbersome mechanical apparatus that contain aninventory of agent that can be delivered in a series of controlledunitized doses. The dispenser and initial inventory of agent representan upfront investment for the consumer. Additionally, such dispenserscan be difficult to properly operate and can waste product by leavingbehind residual agent inventory after the device is used. Accordingly,there is a need for an applicator for the delivery of smaller or singledoses of self-adhesive agents, that is easy to use and avoids theproblems of more sophisticated complex multiple dose dispensers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides an applicator for delivering aself-adhesive material having an applicator side and a substrate side toa substrate. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an innersurface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicatordefines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material.At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicatorside of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between theportion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less thanadhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side.

Another aspect of the invention provides an applicator system where theapplicator has an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outersurface. The inner surface defines a void with a self-adhesive materialhaving an applicator side and a substrate side disposed inside. A coveris removably attached to a rim that is disposed about a periphery of thevoid. At least a portion of the inner surface is operable to releasablyadhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where theadhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and theapplicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate andthe substrate side of the self-adhesive material.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of using an applicatorfor delivering a self-adhesive material to a surface is provided. Themethod comprises providing an applicator with a portion of an innersurface that releasably adheres the self-adhesive material; placing theapplicator in contact with a substrate with the inner surface facing thesubstrate; pressing the applicator against the substrate to adhere theself-adhesive material to the substrate; and removing the applicatorfrom the substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are an exploded view and illustration of an applicatorfor delivering a self-adhesive material to a substrate in accordancewith the invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of an applicator having aninner surface that defines a void for holding a self-adhesive materialin accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of an applicator deliveringself-adhesive material in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of an applicator fordelivering a self-adhesive material to a substrate in accordance withthe invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrations of product packaging for use inproviding self-adhesive materials that are delivered to a substrate inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates hangable product packaging for use in providingself-adhesive materials that are delivered to a substrate in accordancewith the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An applicator 100 having an inner surface 110 that defines a void 114for holding a self-adhesive material 130 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.The applicator includes an outer surface 120 and a void 114. As shown,in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the void 114 is formed by the inner surface 110 ofthe applicator. The outer surface and void elements can be individuallyformed to facilitate the handling and delivery of the self-adhesivematerial. As for the materials of construction, the applicator can beformed from either a single material or various different materials. Forexample, the outer surface can be made of a rigid material this isformed to facilitate the holding, moving, manipulating, and so forth ofthe applicator while the inner surface can be made of material designedfor the holding and delivery of the self-adhesive material. In someembodiments the outer surface 120 may further include a handle 125. Inone embodiment, the handle 125 extends essentially transversely from theouter surface 120, and as shown in FIG. 1A, is adapted to be graspedbetween a finger and thumb. Optionally, the outer surface 120 can beformed to include the optional handle 125. The handle 125 facilitatesmaneuvering of the applicator into position for delivery of theself-adhesive material 130 to the surface. Such a handle can be usefulfor the attaching self-adhesive material below a water line, such as ina toilet or tank of liquid. As shown in FIG. 1A, the outer surface 120,the inner surface 110, and the handle 125 are formed together as asingle unitary device.

Generally, the void is an open-ended volume that is typically concave inshape so as to allow for the acceptance and delivery of a relativelysmall or single dose of self-adhesive material. Non-limiting examples ofvoid shapes include relatively uniform geometric shapes such as acylinder, polyhedron, sphere, ellipsoid, any rectilinear volume, and soforth

The inner surface 110 has a portion 116 that is adapted to receive andadhere a self-adhesive material 130. Self-adhesive material 130 can be apaste, gel or the like that is adapted for applying directly to asubstrate. In some embodiments, the self-adhesive material 130 may be asanitary agent that may be used to clean, disinfect or odorize asubstrate. The self-adhesive material 130 can sanitize the substrate bydisintegrating and releasing cleaning, disinfecting and/or deodorizingsubstances when contacted with a rinse liquid. Examples of self-adhesivematerial 130 that may be delivered using the applicators of thisinvention are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0190457,entitled “Self-sticking Disintegrating Block for Toilet or Urinal” toVeltman et al., published on Aug. 14, 2008; U.S. Patent Application No.2009/0215661 entitled “Cleaning Composition Having High Self-Adhesionand Providing Residual Benefits” to Klinkhammer et al., published onAug. 27, 2009; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,286 entitled “Adhesive sanitaryagent” issued to Dettinger et al. on Dec. 23, 2003, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. As disclosed in the priorart, formulations of the self-adhesive material can include compositionsthat are detersive, cleansing, fragrancing, disinfecting, septic,corrosive, enzymatic, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the self-adhesive material attaches directly to awall of a toilet bowl or urinal, either above or below the water-lineand in the stream of flush water, by pressing the material to the wall.Accordingly, a non-limiting example of self-adhesive material includes25% to 99% of surfactants, and 1% to 25% of a liquid component, whereinall percentages are percent by weight of the total composition of thematerial. The surfactants include one or more solid surfactants, andoptionally one or more liquid surfactants. The surfactants may beanionic, nonionic, cationic and/or amphoteric depending on the cleaningproperties desired. The liquid component may selected from water,surfactants, glycerin, fragrances, colorants, alcohols, binders,lime-scale removing agents, hydrotropes, solvents, chelating agents,dispersing agents, and mixtures thereof. The self-adhesive material mayfurther include a filler. The self-adhesive material containsproportions of the above-identified ingredients such that the materialhas a mass that has a “sticky” consistency. Preferably, the materialdoes not flow, i.e., the block is not viscous. The ratio of the twoprimary ingredients, the solid surfactant and the liquid component,depends on the liquid and its penetration (liquid absorption into thesolid) and the solubility of the solid surfactant in the liquid(s). Fora liquid fragrance, it is desirable to absorb more than solubilize.Although the addition of water is not preferred, small amounts can betolerated.

Generally, self-adhesive material refers to any gel, paste, wax, solid,or the like that may adhere to, or otherwise provide a self-supportfrom, a surface or substrate. By self-support, it is meant that amaterial will not require any additional device, or other mechanicalmeans, to maintain and/or support and/or otherwise suspend the materialin a fixed place, particularly in light of natural gravitational forcesacting on the material. Substrates to which the self-adhesive material130 can be delivered are numerous and diverse and can include hardsurfaces that are both natural and man-made. In one embodiment thesubstrate is the surface of a toilet above the water line. For example,the self-adhesive sanitary material adheres to the side of a toilet bowlunderneath the rim. Other non-limiting examples of surfaces to whichself-adhesive material adheres can include a ceramic surface, such as atoilet bowl or a sink, glass, metal, plastic, stone, and so forth.Generally, self-adhesive material does not include a separate layer ofglue which tends to leave an unwanted residue behind on the surface.Typically, the self-adhesive material is released from the surface byany number of physical and chemical processes such as being washed away,dissolved, devolatilized, vaporized, reacted, and so forth so as toleave no residue on the surface. For example, a self-adhesive sanitarymaterial on an inner toilet bowl surface is washed away from a surfaceafter being subject to one or more flushes.

Without being bound to any particular theory the relative strength ofadhesive force between self-adhesive material and various substrates andsurfaces is controlled by the magnitude of the inter-molecular forces ofattraction, i.e., between the material and the surface or substrate. Thehigher the magnitude of this attraction, the greater will be thestrength of the adhesive force. The magnitude of this attraction willdepend upon (1) the nature of the molecules contained within thematerial and the surface or substrate and (2) the distance between thecontacting material and the surface or substrate during use. In general,the closer the distance, the greater will be the magnitude of thisattraction. Surface smoothness or roughness can affect attraction suchthat the required attraction can be adjusted by appropriate control ofthe rheology of the self-adhesive material. In other words, theviscoelastic properties of the material should fall within a certainrange for the material to be effective. For example, a stiff ornon-malleable material can result in air gaps between the material andthe surface or substrate which effectively lowers adhesive forcestrength. Further, a fluid or soft material can flow, drip, or draindown the surface and prevent retention of a reasonable volume of thematerial within a desired area of the surface or substrate. Typically,the self-adhesive material is viscous semi-solid having viscoelasticproperties that can be measured using a penetrometer and/or appropriaterheometric techniques. A “Stickiness Test” as described in U.S. Pat.Application No. 2008/0190457 titled “Self-sticking Disintegrating Blockfor Toilet or Urinal” is another useful technique for determiningoptimal adhesive force to surfaces and other substrates. Once thevarious properties of the self-adhesive material are determined, a rangecan be established for the rheology of the material that can lead togood adhesion.

In one embodiment the adhesive properties of the self-adhesive material130 are controlled such that adhesive force of the self-adhesivematerial 130 to the surface portion 116 is less than adhesive force ofthe self-adhesive material 130 to a substrate. In this way, portion 116readily releases the self-adhesive material when self-adhesive material130 comes in contact with a surface or a substrate such as the insidesurface of a toilet bowel.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the inner surface 110 defines a void 114 foraccepting the self-adhesive material 130 which adheres to the portion116. As shown, the void formed by inner surface has a generally concaveshape so the self-adhesive material 130 fits within the void. In oneembodiment a cover 140 attaches to a periphery surrounding the void andseals the self-adhesive material within the void.

Optionally, indicia can be included on the various surfaces of theapplicator and related components. The indicia can be used to convey awide variety of information including, but not necessarily limited to,health, safety, environmental, use, brand identification and so forth.

Use of the applicator 100 as shown in FIG. 1B typically involvesgrasping the applicator 100 between a finger and thumb. With the cover140 removed the self-adhesive material 130 is exposed within the void110 and is ready to be delivered to a substrate. To position theapplicator for delivery of the exposed self-adhesive material 130, afinger and thumb grasp handle 125 and maneuver the applicator 100 intocontact with a substrate. Applicator 100 is positioned so that theself-adhesive material 130 can be brought into contact with thesubstrate. For example, the applicator can be used to deliver a singledose of the self-adhesive material to a surface of a toilet by placingthe applicator 100 with self-adhesive material 130 in contact with thesurface of the toilet above a water line.

Cross-sectional views of an applicator 100 having a portion 116 of innersurface 110 for holding a self-adhesive material 130 are shown in FIGS.2A and 2B. In yet another embodiment, the inner surface 110 includes arim 144 that encircles the void 114 formed by inner surface 110. The rim144 is designed to facilitate removable attachment of the cover 140 tothe rim 144 so as to enclose the self-adhesive material 130. The cover140 protectively seals the self-adhesive material 130 inside the void114. Prior to use of the applicator the cover 140 is detached from therim 144 to expose the self-adhesive material 130 disposed in void 114.Cover 140 is made from material that provides a barrier against moistureand odor or fragrance. Typically the cover 140 is made of multilayerfoil, a metalized barrier film such as a metal foil for example aluminumfoil, plastic film, or combinations thereof. Examples of polymers usedto form plastic films include, but are not limited to, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terphthalate,polyethylene naphthalate, polyesters, polycarbonates, polystyrene,acrylics, polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, andmixtures and copolymers thereof. In one embodiment, the cover 140 can beformed to have a tab 146 that can used to facilitate the removal of thecover.

A non-limiting example of material used to form or make the applicator100 and related components such as the cover 140 can also includebiodegradable or other environmentally compatible materials. Theapplicator components can be made of single-layer sheets or multi-layerlaminate sheets such as the combination of barrier foil with plastic.Optionally, the materials can be transparent, translucent, or opaque asdeemed desirable for various product supply, packaging, marketing, andvarious other business considerations. A non-limiting example ofmaterial includes heat sealable thermoplastic materials such aspolyethylene or polypropylene. Layered laminates having generally asandwich construction can include any combination or order ofpolyethylene, cellophane, paper, polyester, and so forth includingvariations there of. Selection of materials, and the thickness thereof,is determined by the nature of the material being packaged. Theselection of biodegradable materials generally includes consideration ofdecomposition in both natural aerobic and anaerobic environments. Morespecifically for plastics material, biodegradability is achieved bymaterials that can be metabolized by microorganisms into inert materialhaving minimal impact on the environment. For biodegradation in anaerobic environment a plastic can be selected based on ASTM D6400-04Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics, ASTM D6868-03 StandardSpecification for Biodegradable Plastics Used as Coatings on Paper andOther Compostable Substrates, and the ASTM D7081-05 StandardSpecification for Non-Floating Biodegradable Plastics in the MarineEnvironment. For biodegradation in an anaerobic environment a plasticcan be selected based on ASTM D5511-02 Standard Test Method forDetermining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials UnderHigh-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions or ASTM D5526-94 (2002)Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of PlasticMaterials Under Accelerated Landfill Conditions.

In addition, biodegradable or other environmentally compatible materialscan include water-soluble material. Without being limited by anyparticular theory, water-soluble materials are materials thatdisintegrate or dissolve in the presences of water. Non-limitingexamples of water-soluble material include, but is not necessarilylimited to water-soluble polymers, particularly polymers that are usefulin film forming, such as poly-vinyl alcohol, cellulose ether, and soforth either individually or in various combinations. As generally knownin the art, various additives can be incorporated into the water-solublepolymers to alter disintegration and dissolution as desired.

In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2B, the cover 140 protectivelyseals the substrate surface of the self-adhesive material 130. Suchprotection is desirable when the environment affects the adhesiveproperties of the self-adhesive material such as the loss of adhesiveforce due to oxidation, moisture, and so forth. For such a cover, it isdesirable that the adhesive force of the self-adhesive material 130 tothe cover 140 be less than the adhesive force of the self-adhesivematerial 130 to the surface portion 116. In this way, cover 140 may bedetached from the rim 144 such that the self-adhesive material 130remains in the void 114.

In another embodiment, surface portion 116 is optionally the surface aof release layer 118 that is attached to the inner surface 110. In thisway, the optional release layer 118 can be used to control adhesiveforce of the self-adhesive material 130. If the properties of the innersurface do not allow proper adhesive force with the self-adhesivematerial, the release layer 118 can be attached to the inner surface toprovide a surface portion 116 that allows for the desired adhesive forcewith the self-adhesive material 130. For example, the optional releaselayer 118 may be made of a wax paper, silicone coated paper, and soforth that is glued to the inner surface 110.

Optionally, the release layer 118 can be formed to release from theinner surface 110 and remain attached to the self-adhesive material 130when the self-adhesive material is applied to the hard surface. In suchan embodiment, the release layer 130 can provide a protective layer orbacking for the self-adhesive material until the appliance with the hardsurface is put into use such as by flushing in the case of a toilet.When used in this manner, the release layer 118 is desirably formed ofbiodegradable or other environmentally compatible materials. Morespecifically, the release layer can be formed from water-solublematerial as describe herein which upon contact with water, such asthrough flushing, will dissolve or disintegrate to fully expose theself-adhesive material.

In yet another embodiment, the adhesive properties of the portion 116are controlled by the use of a coating to modify the adhesive propertiesof the portion 116. Thus, coatings can be used to control adhesiveforce. For example, application of silicone to the portion 116 reducesadhesive force and makes the self-adhesive material easier to releasefrom the applicator.

Cross-sectional views of an applicator 100 delivering self-adhesivematerial 130 to a surface are as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3-B. As describedabove, the void 114 has a general concave shape. In one embodiment, theconcave shape can be in the form of a deformable resilient shape of adome and sidewalls. Such a shape easily deforms when force is appliedand then recovers to its original profile when the force is removed.Material useful in the making such a deformable applicator 100 includedeformable resilient material, such as flexible or rigid plasticincluding, but not limited to, thermoformed plastic.

To use the applicator for the delivery of self-adhesive material 130 toa surface, the cover 140 is removed to expose the self-adhesivematerial. As shown in FIG. 3A the exposed self-adhesive material ispositioned against a substrate. Appropriate pressure is applied tofacilitate any required deformation of the applicator surfaces and theadhesion of self-adhesive material 130 to the substrate. When anoptional handle 125 is available it can be grasped between a finger andthumb to help steady the applicator as it is being pressed against thesubstrate. As the applicator 100 is pressed against the substrate, thesurfaces that define the normally concave void 114 deform so as to allowcontact of the self-adhesive material with the substrate or surface.Because the adhesive force to the substrate or surface is greater thanthe adhesive force to surface portion 116, the self-adhesive material isreleased from the applicator 100. The surface portion 116 is optimallydesigned to facilitate release of self-adhesive material 130. Thesurface portion 116 can be designed and formed based on adhesiveproperties of the self-adhesive material so that less force is demandedto separate the self-adhesive material 130 from the surface portion 116than to separate the self-adhesive material 130 from the substrate.Optimally, when the self-adhesive material 130 is brought intosimultaneous contact with both the surface portion 116 and a substratesurface, and force is applied to remove the applicator 100 from thesubstrate surface, the self-adhesive material 130 is released from thesurface portion 116, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments,upon release of self-adhesive material 130, the applicator 100 resumesits original profile with inner surface 110 forming a void 114 having agenerally concave shape. Self-adhesive material 130 remains in contactwith the substrate and is left behind on the substrate when applicator100 is pulled away. The self-adhesive material 130 is held in place onthe substrate by its adhesive properties.

An embodiment of an applicator 400 for delivering a self-adhesivematerial to a substrate is as shown in FIG. 4. The applicator 400 has aninner surface 410 that defines a void 414 for holding a self-adhesivematerial 430. The applicator includes an outer surface 420 which alongwith the void can be individually formed to facilitate the handling anddelivery of the self-adhesive material. The applicator can be formedfrom either a single material or various different materials. Forexample, the outer surface can be made of a rigid material this isformed to facilitate the holding, moving, manipulating, and so forth ofthe applicator while the inner surface can be made of material designedfor the holding and delivery of the self-adhesive material. In someembodiments a portion of the applicator extends essentially laterallyfrom the outer surface 420 so as to for a handle 425 which can beadapted to be grasped between a finger and thumb. In one embodiment, thehandle 425 can include texturing 427 on either side to facilitategrasping the applicator. Optionally, the outer surface 420 of theapplicator can be formed to accommodate the optional handle 425. Thehandle 425 facilitates maneuvering of the applicator into position fordelivery of the self-adhesive material 430 to the surface. Such a handlecan be useful for the attaching self-adhesive material to the insidesurface of a toilet or generally and container that holds. As shown inFIG. 4, the outer surface 420, the inner surface 410, and the handle 425are formed together as a single unitary device.

The inner surface 410 has a portion (not shown) that is adapted toreceive and adhere a self-adhesive material 430. Self-adhesive material430 can be a paste, gel or the like that is adapted for applyingdirectly to a substrate. In some embodiments, the self-adhesive material430 may be a sanitary agent that may be used to clean, disinfect orodorize a substrate. The self-adhesive material 430 can sanitize thesubstrate by disintegrating and releasing cleaning, disinfecting and/ordeodorizing substances when contacted with a rinse liquid. In oneembodiment the adhesive properties of the self-adhesive material 430 arecontrolled such that adhesive force of the self-adhesive material 430 toa surface portion (not shown) is less than adhesive force of theself-adhesive material 430 to a substrate. In this way, surface portion(not shown) readily releases the self-adhesive material whenself-adhesive material 430 comes in contact with a surface or asubstrate such as the inside surface of a toilet bowel.

Generally, the inner surface 410 defines a void 414 for accepting theself-adhesive material 430 which adheres to a portion (not shown) of theinner surface. The void formed by inner surface has a generally concaveshape so the self-adhesive material 430 fits within the void. In someembodiments as shown in FIG. 5A, a cover 540 attaches to a peripherysurrounding the void and seals the self-adhesive material within thevoid.

Use of the applicator 400 typically involves grasping the applicator 400by the handle 425 between a finger and thumb. Any cover over the void isremoved so as to expose the self-adhesive material 430 within the void410 for delivery to a substrate. To position the applicator for deliveryof the exposed self-adhesive material 430, a finger and thumb grasphandle 425 and maneuver the applicator 400 into contact with asubstrate. Applicator 400 is positioned so that the self-adhesivematerial 430 can be brought into contact with the substrate. Optionally,while grasping the handle 425 of the applicator with a thumb and finger,a free finger on either hand can press on the outer surface 420 oppositethe self-adhesive material to deform the applicator as required so thatthe self-adhesive material comes in contact with the substrate. Forexample, the applicator can be used to deliver a single dose of theself-adhesive material to a surface of a toilet by placing theapplicator 400 with self-adhesive material 430 in contact with thesurface of the toilet above a water line.

An example of product packaging for use in providing self-adhesivematerials that are delivered to a substrate is as shown in FIGS. 5A and5B. A plurality of applicators 400 a-e for delivering a self-adhesivematerial can be combined in a single package as desired to meetmarketing and customer need for convenience and cost. For example,product package 500 that holds multiple applicator in a fashion similarto a pack of chewing gum. Once opened the residual portion of theproduct package forms a container 510 that holds any remainingapplicators while allowing for the easy removal of individualapplicators. As generally known for typical consumer products, an end520 of the product package is designed for easy and convenient removalso as to expose the plurality of applicators 400 a-e. Again as commonlyknown in the art the products package 500 can include a perforatedportion 530 and underlying pull tab 532 which can be used to “open” theproduct package by facilitating the removal of end 520. Once the end 530is removed individual applicators can slide out of the product package500 as is being exhibited by applicator 400 e.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the applicator 400 e can include a handle 525.Besides being useful during application of the self-adhesive material toa substrate as described above, such a handle can be used to facilitatethe removal of an applicator such as 400 e from the container 510. Bygrasping and pulling on the handle 525, the applicator 400 e can bewithdrawn from the container 510. Optionally, the applicators, such as400 e, can include a cover 540 that can used to protect the containedself-adhesive material. The cover can be formed to have a tab 546 whichis to be used to help remove the cover 540. In another embodiment, theouter surface of the adjacent applicator can function as a cover.

In yet another embodiment of applicator packaging, hangable productpackaging 600 for use in providing self-adhesive materials that aredelivered to a substrate is as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, aplurality of applicators 400 f-h for delivering a self-adhesive materialcan be combined in a single package as desired to meet marketing andcustomer need for convenience and cost. In this embodiment, hangableproduct packaging 600 is designed to contain multiple applicators thatare removably attached to one another in series. This type of hangableproduct packaging can include a tab 660 having aperture 662 for use insupporting hangable product packaging 600 form a marketing display orstorage support such as by a peg, rod, nail, and so forth. As generallyknown for typical consumer products, the tab 600 and the applicators 400f-g are attached sequentially in series via separable connections 602a-c. For example, the connections can include a series of perforationsor serrations, which allow each applicator to be serially removed fromthe hangable product packaging.

For illustration purposes the details of each of the applicators 400 f-hare shown each individually and each with distinct view of theapplicator. In actual use, the hangable product packaging would provideall the applicators in a closed and sealed form as common known forconsumer products. In any case, each applicator includes a self-adhesivematerial 630 which is contained in a void 610. A cover 640 that attachedto rim 612 can cover and protect the self-adhesive material in the void610 and can have a tab 646. The applicator can include a handle 625 withoptional gripping 627 that among other functions can be useful duringthe separation of an applicator from the hangable product packaging 600.Further and as commonly known in the supply of products, the hangableproduct packaging 600 can include optional protective layer 650 thatsurrounds and protects either individual or multiple applicators.

A non-limiting example of material used to form the various embodimentsof the product packaging can includes biodegradable or otherenvironmentally compatible materials include water-soluble materials asdescribed above for use with the applicator. Optionally, the productpackaging materials can be transparent, translucent, or opaque and canbe constructed from single-layer sheets or multi-layer laminate sheetsas deemed desirable based on a variety of considerations related toproduct supply, packaging, marketing, business needs, and so forth.

FIG. 7 provides an exemplary alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG.6. In this example, the applicator packaging may be provided in ahangable product packaging 600 for use in providing self-adhesivematerials that are delivered to a substrate. In this embodiment, aplurality of applicators 400 i-k for delivering a self-adhesive material730 can be combined in a single package as desired to meet marketing andcustomer need for convenience and cost. In this embodiment, hangableproduct packaging 700 is designed to contain multiple applicators thatare removably attached to one another in series. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 7, the individual applicators may be separatedby perforations 708 between the applicators. This type of hangableproduct packaging can include a tab 760 having aperture 762 for use insupporting hangable product packaging 700 form a marketing display orstorage support such as by a peg, rod, nail, and so forth.

For illustration purposes the details of each of the applicators 400 i-kare shown each individually and each with distinct view of theapplicator. In actual use, the hangable product packaging would provideall the applicators in a closed and sealed form as common known forconsumer products. In any case, each applicator includes a self-adhesivematerial 730 which is contained in a void 710. A cover 740 that attachedto rim 712 can cover and protect the self-adhesive material in the void710 and can have one or more gripping areas 747 along the edge of thecover 740. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the gripping areas 747 maybe recesses that may accommodate the finger of a user. A surprisingbenefit of providing such gripping areas 747 is that the user may beable to place her finger(s) into the gripping areas 747, such as a thumband middle finger and secure the adhesive material 730 and then use herindex finger to engage the outer surface 720 and apply force, F, toeffectively “press” the adhesive material 730 onto whichever surface shedesires. Such a process is shown in FIG. 8 with the addition that anapplicator 4001 is provided with a removable material 840 on theunderside of the applicator 4001 that may be removed prior to engagingthe material onto a surface (not shown). The removable material may be afoil that is adhered onto the underside of the applicator 4001 thatsecures the adhesive material 730 within the void of the applicator 4001during storage, transport, etc.

While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventionhave been herein illustrated, shown and described, it is to beappreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications maybe made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims. It is intended that the specificembodiments and configurations disclosed are illustrative of thepreferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not beinterpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims; it is to be appreciated that various changes,rearrangements and modifications my be made therein, without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An applicator for delivering a self-adhesive material having anapplicator side and a substrate side to a substrate, the applicatorcomprising: an outer surface; and an inner surface opposite the outersurface, the inner surface defining a void operable to receive theself-adhesive material; wherein at least a portion of the inner surfaceis operable to releasably adhere the applicator side, with adhesiveforce between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator sidebeing less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrateside.
 2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the void has a periphery andthe applicator further comprises a rim disposed about the periphery ofthe void.
 3. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a releasefilm attached to the inner surface.
 4. The applicator of claim 1,further comprising a cover removably attached to the rim.
 5. Theapplicator of claim 4, wherein the substrate side of the self-adhesivematerial is releasably adherable to the cover.
 6. The applicator ofclaim 5, wherein adhesive force between the self-adhesive material andthe portion of the inner surface is greater than adhesive force betweenthe self-adhesive material and the cover.
 7. The applicator of claim 1,wherein the inner surface forms a generally concave shape.
 8. Theapplicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a deformableresilient material.
 9. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the deformableresilient material is a thermoformed flexible plastic.
 10. Theapplicator of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the outersurface.
 11. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a coating onthe portion of the inner surface.
 12. An applicator system comprising:an outer surface; an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the innersurface defining a void; a self-adhesive material having an applicatorside and a substrate side disposed within the void; a rim disposed abouta periphery of the void; and a cover removably attached to the rim;wherein at least a portion of the inner surface is operable toreleasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material,with adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and theapplicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate andthe substrate side.
 13. The applicator system of claim 12, furthercomprising a release film attached to the inner surface.
 14. Theapplicator system of claim 12, wherein the substrate side of theself-adhesive material is releasably adherable to the cover.
 15. Theapplicator system of claim 14, wherein adhesive force between theself-adhesive material and the portion of the inner surface is greaterthan adhesive force between the self-adhesive material and the cover.16. The applicator system of claim 12, wherein the inner surface forms agenerally concave shape.
 17. The applicator system of claim 12, whereinthe applicator comprises a deformable resilient material.
 18. Theapplicator system of claim 17, wherein the deformable resilient materialis a thermoformed flexible plastic.
 19. The applicator system of claim12, further comprising a handle attached to the outer surface.
 20. Theapplicator system of claim 12, further comprising a coating on theportion of the inner surface.
 21. The applicator system of claim 12,wherein a composition of the self-adhesive material is selected from theformulations consisting of: detersive, cleansing, fragrancing,disinfecting, septic, corrosive, enzymatic, or combinations thereof. 22.A method of using an applicator for delivery a self-adhesive material,the method comprising: providing an applicator comprising: an outersurface; and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the innersurface defining a void operable to receive the self-adhesive material;wherein at least a portion of the inner surface is operable toreleasably adhere the applicator side, with adhesive force between theportion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less thanadhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. placing theapplicator in contact with a substrate with the inner surface facing thesubstrate; pressing the applicator against the substrate to adhere asubstrate surface of the self-adhesive material to the substrate; andremoving the applicator from the substrate.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the step of pressing the applicator against the substrateincludes the step of deforming the applicator to contact the substrateside of the self-adhesive material to the substrate.
 24. The method ofclaim 22, further comprising the steps of providing a handle attached tothe outer surface and grasping the handle.